Japan's beloved Golden Week tradition of clam digging is facing a severe shortage this season due to a dramatic decline in domestically produced clams. Coastal clam-digging spots nationwide are struggling to sustain the activity, prompting some operators to import clams from other regions to keep the tradition alive.
The shortage has been attributed to overharvesting, environmental changes, and disease, which have drastically reduced the population of native clams along Japan's shores. As a result, many designated clam-digging areas have been forced to scatter clams sourced from different prefectures or even imported from abroad to ensure visitors can still enjoy the experience.
"We want as many people as possible to enjoy clam digging," said a representative from one affected beach, emphasizing the effort to maintain the cultural pastime despite the challenges. The measure has drawn mixed reactions, with some purists arguing that artificial stocking undermines the authenticity of the activity, while others see it as a necessary compromise.
Industry experts warn that without sustainable management and conservation efforts, the plight of domestic clams could worsen, endangering not only recreational digging but also local fisheries and ecosystems.